Bristol launches new science incubator to help graduates

Bristol’s new science incubator, Unit DX, has been launched with the aim of bringing academics, scientists and entrepreneurs together.

The brand-new science incubator was launched in conjunction with British Science Week and will be a home to start-ups and young scientists from the South West area.

Previously an industrial unit, the idea behind the centre came from a University of Bristol PhD graduate who had failed to find a laboratory space within the area – Dr Harry Destecroix.

It is hoped that the centre will create opportunities for Bristol and Bath-based scientists to go alongside the thriving tech and engineering industries.

The centre will also be used to boost scientific collaboration in the South West, with Unit DX set to work with business incubator SETsquared and inward investment agency Invest Bristol and Bath.

Monika Radclyffe, Centre Director at SETsquared Bristol, said: “Bristol is a fantastic city in which to start a company. The SETsquared – Unit DX partnership will provide a real boost for science entrepreneurs in the South West.”

Strong links to university expertise

Through the partnership, those who work at Unit DX will not only be able to benefit from the first-class facilities, but also take advantage of SETsquared’s guidance on business growth, strong links to investor community and university expertise.

Matthew Cross, Head of Inward Investment at Invest Bristol and Bath agrees: “There isn’t a privately-funded science incubator like this in the UK currently, and we’re proud that Bristol and Bath’s reputation for innovation is leading the way.”

In order to celebrate the opening of the centre, Unit DX opened its doors to 120 students from schools within the area to expose them to science and the benefits of a career within the industry.

Students took part in a range of activities, including workshops and demonstrations, and also got to try their hand using virtual reality technology.